{
  "id": 1019062,
  "title": "Springboks switch into full RGR mode in Johannesburg",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/15/springboks-switch-into-full-rgr-mode-in-johannesburg",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-15T10:47:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/rugby/springboks-switch-into-full-rgr-mode-in-johannesburg/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus and his team began an intensive two days of training on Saturday, with the goal of uniting the entire squad ahead of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry (RGR) series, which kicks off against the All Blacks in Johannesburg on Saturday, August 22nd. The squad of 26 players and coaches returned to South Africa in two groups on Monday and Tuesday, after winning their Test match against Argentina in Buenos Aires last week. The players underwent extensive sessions, including flush-out and gym training, to acclimatize to the local time zone and prepare for the coming Tests. They had a rest day on Friday and participated in another field session on Saturday before taking a break to spend time with their families. The team will play a grueling four-Test series against New Zealand, starting with the first match against the All Blacks at Ellis Park on August 22nd, followed by games in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Baltimore. Forward Johan Grobbelaar and hooker Elrigh Louw have been released to play for the Bulls against the All Blacks on Saturday, but will rejoin the national team on Sunday. Erasmus emphasized the importance of managing the players who traveled to Argentina, allowing them sufficient time to recuperate and seamlessly transition back into the domestic time zone. The Springboks are aware that the upcoming RGR series will be a significant challenge, as they face one of the world's best teams repeatedly. However, they are excited about the opportunity to compete at this high level and are focused on fine-tuning their game during the next few weeks as they prepare for the upcoming Tests.",
  "summary": "'It's a new and exciting challenge, and we have been putting in a lot of work behind the scenes.'",
  "key_points": [
    "Springboks begin two-day intensive training in Johannesburg.",
    "Team returns from Argentina after winning Test against Argentina.",
    "RGR series against All Blacks starts August 22nd."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}